Graduates Told To Aim High

`The Future Is Anxiously Awaiting.' -- Superintendent Marion Martinez

When she arrived at East Hartford High School four years ago, Brittney Cavaliere set out to achieve the highest grades in her class.

She did just that and shared thoughts on her journey during her valedictorian address at the school's commencement ceremony Tuesday in a crowded and noisy sports center at the University of Hartford.

``I told myself, `This is where I wanted be,''' Cavaliere said from the lectern, adding that what she didn't know as a freshman was how she would grow to enjoy and appreciate what she called her home away from home.

``I'm still not ready to say goodbye,'' she said after thanking classmates, teachers, administrators and even acknowledging the first names of the school's custodial crew -- a tribute that drew hearty applause.

Senior Class President Joy Osahon and Salutatorian Laura Foran also spoke warmly about what they deemed the nurturing environment at a school that often gets knocked for the behavioral and academic problems of some of its students.

Osahon urged her 500 classmates to think positively as they filled in the pages of what she called ``the empty book'' that represents their years ahead.

Foran reflected on an array of developments during the past four years.

``Together we have overcome so much,'' she said, getting a laugh as she listed the trauma of the ban on flip-flops and the breakdown of the school's air-conditioning system last summer. She also noted students had coped with crises such as the war in Iraq and natural disasters.

``We can overcome anything with faith, hope and love,'' she said.

Principal Craig Jordan listed some of the accomplishments of the Class of 2006, such as a state champion cheerleading squad and the widely lauded Jazzapella group. He noted that 74 percent of the graduates plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university.

Speakers also included Hilde Mayranen-O'Brien, the school board chairwoman, and Superintendent Marion Martinez.

``The past is the past and the future is anxiously awaiting,'' said Martinez, who also encouraged students to ``set your goals and set them high.''